Shemar Stewart was a highly sought draft prospect from Texas A&M. He was the third edge rusher taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, by the Cincinnati Bengals at pick number 17. Stewart is currently dissatisfied with his current situation with the Cincinnati Bengals; he is currently holding out due to a contract dispute. Sports Illustrated's Zach Pressnell believes that the Saints should take a swing and trade for the disgruntled rookie.
Pressnell emphasizes how the Saints need to act fast and how rare that an opportunity like this comes around. "It's not often that a trade like this makes sense. It's not often that a trade like this could even come available. But with Stewart sitting there for the taking, the Saints need to act as fast as possible before he ends up agreeing to a deal with the Bengals".
Stewart is unhappy with his contract situation
The main issue for this holdout is over a dispute over the language in his contract with guaranteed money. "In Stewart's case, he could sit out and potentially re-enter the draft again next season. But there's also a chance the Bengals trade him ahead of the season so that another team can pay him the money he wants," Pressnell wrote. That creates an opening for the Saints to seize.
Stewart has been attending team meetings but continues to holdout of physical activities. Presnell believes that if a deal is not finalized the Saints should run after Stewart by virtue of the Bengals losing him for nothing, if he decides to re-enter the draft.
Stewart spent three seasons at Texas A&M and was selected to the Third Team All SEC in his first season as a full-time starter. During his time at Texas A&M, Stewart recorded 65 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks. Despite the fact that his collegiate numbers are unsatisfying, he is viewed as a boom or bust prospect that has an extremely high ceiling because of his physical tools.
The Saints should be hounding the Bengals on the phone right now
The Saints have a significant need at edge rusher. The top free agent edge rushers are veterans that are suited for championship caliber teams, the Saints should search for a younger edge rusher on the trade block that will have a greater impact. Stewart met with the Saints ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft and was projected to New Orleans in several mock drafts, before the Saints selected Kelvin Banks Jr. with the 9th overall pick.
Stewart has the tools and potential to become a perennial All-Pro. Not only could Stewart elevate this pass rush in 2025, he could also be a significant asset for the future. The Saints should be pestering the Bengals phone lines to figure out what the asking price would be. If the deal is fair, the Saints should pull the trigger. However, if they are interested, it is very important that they are willing to meet his contract wishes before a trade is complete.